Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

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Meniscus Tear: Recovery Timetable

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A common knee injury among both athletic and less active individuals, meniscus tears can cause discomfort, knee instability, stiffness, swelling and a popping/catching sensation. Experiencing any of the above may lead a patient to wonder about the meniscus tear diagnosis process, the meniscus tear recovery timetable and what type/level of treatment may be needed to resolve their symptoms. Ultimately, the answers will depend on the individual case; but, there are some general things you can expect when recovering from a meniscus injury. Let’s go into more detail.

Meniscus Tear: Recovery Timetable

If you have knee pain and other possible meniscus tear symptoms that aren’t going away with rest, it’s important to see an orthopedic expert as soon as possible. Getting the proper diagnosis and treatment for your knee condition will prevent it from getting worse and becoming harder to treat, whether it’s a meniscus tear or something else.

If your orthopedic physician determines that you have sustained a meniscus tear, you may ask if it can heal on its own or whether surgery may be required. 

Your personal meniscus tear recovery timetable and treatment plan will be based upon the severity of your injury and other factors like your age and activity level. Here are a few things to know:

  • Smaller, less severe meniscus tears are more likely to be resolved with nonoperative treatments, such as taking pain relievers and taking time off from activities. Still, it’s best to be under the care of an orthopedic surgeon in case conservative treatment fails to provide full relief. 
  • For a larger, more severe or treatment-resistant meniscus tear – or one that’s located on the inner edge of the meniscus, which receives minimal blood supply – surgical meniscus repair may be recommended.
  • Depending on the type of meniscus procedure you undergo, rehabilitation time can vary. If a portion or all of your meniscus is removed through meniscectomy, you can anticipate a recovery time of around one month. 
  • The rehabilitation period following surgical meniscus repair may be a bit more lengthy – generally, it takes around three months for a patient to complete their recovery after this procedure. 

Taking into account your individual situation, an orthopedic professional can give you a more precise idea of what to expect in terms of your recovery time and post-procedure restrictions you may have if you opt to have meniscus surgery. 

Get to the Bottom of Your Knee Issue with Dr. Soffer

If you’re eager to understand the cause of your knee pain and find an effective, individualized solution, Dr. Stephen Soffer is here to help. To offer his world-class orthopedic services to patients in the Reading, PA area, Dr. Soffer draws on the latest, most advanced technologies and his extensive experience. His training included a sports medicine fellowship with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, helping Dr. Soffer to become a top orthopedic surgeon himself. 

To learn more about operative and nonoperative knee treatments offered by Dr. Soffer and schedule an appointment, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Shoulder Pain When Throwing Baseball? Advice from a Top Orthopedic Surgeon

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The shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint made up of bones, tendons, muscles and ligaments. If any of the structures in the shoulder are damaged, it can lead to discomfort and decreased functionality. For baseball players in particular, overuse or injury can result in shoulder pain when throwing baseball. If you experience this, then these tips from leading Reading, PA area orthopedic expert Dr. Stephen Soffer may be of value to you.

Shoulder Pain When Throwing Baseball? Advice from a Top Orthopedic Surgeon

To understand why shoulder abnormalities can cause shoulder pain when throwing baseball, it’s helpful to learn more about what happens in the joint during a throwing motion. All of the following are involved:

  • Shoulder blade
  • Rotator cuff muscles and tendons
  • Shoulder joint (labrum & other cartilage)
  • Nerves controlling muscle function 

In order to throw successfully and comfortably, all of these interconnected shoulder structures must function in harmony. If issues arise with one of them – for instance, if the labrum is injured and the joint loses stability – then throwing is likely to become painful and difficult. Reduced strength, pain extending down the arm or pain at night may also be signs of a shoulder problem.

So, how do you know what is causing your shoulder troubles? Visiting an orthopedic surgeon for an examination (and possibly imaging like an MRI) is the most effective way to pinpoint where the issue is stemming from so you can get the proper treatment to resolve it. 

Reading, PA Area Patients Seeking Relief from Shoulder Pain Trust Dr. Soffer

Whether you’re a young athlete, a weekend warrior or an active senior, orthopedic issues shouldn’t hold you back from doing the activities you love. Skillful diagnosis and treatment from Dr. Soffer can help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. 

For decades, Dr. Soffer has been working with patients of all ages, providing world-class, individualized orthopedic care through both operative and nonoperative treatments. As part of his training, Dr. Soffer completed a sports medicine fellowship with esteemed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. To learn more about Dr. Soffer’s credentials and schedule an appointment, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Tennis Elbow Healing Time, Treatments and More

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tennis elbow healing time

Resulting from repetitive gripping and/or overuse of the elbow joint, tennis elbow can affect more than just tennis players. The pain and tenderness caused by this condition may be isolated to the elbow, or it may extend to the wrist and other parts of the arm. From patient to patient, symptom severity and tennis elbow healing time can vary. Let’s explore factors which might impact one’s recovery timeline from this condition and strategies to speed up the healing process.

Tennis Elbow Healing Time, Treatments and More

For more mild cases of tennis elbow, conservative treatment may help to resolve symptoms within days or weeks. Treatments you may try to start out include:

  • Taking time off from activities to rest your elbow
  • Using anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain 
  • Applying ice to reduce swelling 
  • Performing exercises to reduce stiffness & restore normal range of motion
  • Wearing an elbow strap to prevent further strain/injury to the joint

If these first-line treatments do not provide full relief, you may discuss steroid injections or tennis elbow surgery with an experienced orthopedic surgeon. For those in the Reading, PA area, Dr. Stephen Soffer is a trusted provider of both nonsurgical and surgical treatment for tennis elbow. 

If considering operative treatment, it’s important to know what to expect in terms of tennis elbow healing time following surgery. In our past blog post, you can find a detailed overview of what rehabilitation from this procedure generally entails – information which will help you decide if it’s right for you.

Find Relief from Elbow Pain with Help from Dr. Soffer 

If you’re experiencing elbow pain that isn’t improving with rest, it may be time to make an appointment with leading orthopedic specialist Dr. Soffer. Among his achievements, Dr. Soffer coauthored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the US with Dr. James Andrews. He has vast knowledge and experience in the treatment of elbow issues of all sorts, and he is dedicated to helping patients find the best solution for their unique situation. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our office at 610-375-4949.

How to Determine Rotator Cuff Injury: Common Signs 

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how to determine rotator cuff injury

If you’re experiencing bothersome shoulder pain, aching, weakness or limited function, there is a chance you may have injured your rotator cuff. This can happen due to an acute incident or age-related shoulder muscle degeneration. In either case, it’s important to know how to determine rotator cuff injury so you can get the necessary treatment as soon as possible, before the issue gets worse or more complex. This article will go into more detail on how to identify a rotator cuff injury and how to get a professional diagnosis and skilled care.

How to Determine Rotator Cuff Injury: Common Signs 

Rotator cuff injuries may cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity. The spectrum of side effects from rotator cuff damage can include:

  • Pain and weakness in the affected shoulder or the entire arm
  • A dull aching sensation in the injured shoulder 
  • Reduced range of motion 
  • Trouble lifting and reaching overhead/behind your back
  • Disrupted sleep 
  • Limited ability to perform your occupation or hobbies 

If you’re dealing with one or more of these symptoms, the best method for how to determine rotator cuff injury is to see an orthopedic specialist. This professional can perform a physical examination and other testing on your shoulder to pinpoint whether a rotator cuff injury or something else is causing your discomfort. From there, they can diagnose your condition and its severity, then recommend an appropriate course of treatment based on these particulars.

Find an Answer to Persistent Shoulder Pain with Dr. Soffer 

For any sort of rotator cuff injury, seeking treatment early on will help to avoid further complications. In many cases, rotator cuff damage can be treated effectively without a need for surgery, if it is addressed promptly. Still, some patients require rotator cuff repair surgery to completely resolve this type of injury. Regardless of the level of treatment you need, you’ll be able to trust that you’re in good hands by choosing Dr. Stephen Soffer for your shoulder care. 

Dr. Soffer is known to offer individualized, highly skilled care, enabled in part by his completion of a sports medicine fellowship with one of the world’s leading sports surgeons, Dr. James Andrews. To learn more about Dr. Soffer’s credentials and schedule an appointment, call our Wyomissing, PA office at 610-375-4949.

What is Involved in a Surgical Trigger Finger Procedure?

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trigger finger procedure

Stenosing tenosynovitis is known as “trigger finger” due to its trademark symptom of the affected finger or thumb being locked in a bent position and then snapping straight with a motion similar to a trigger being pulled and let go. This condition can be very painful and restrictive, prompting many patients to search for an effective treatment. Read on for an overview of possible therapies, including surgical trigger finger procedure options for cases in which symptoms do not resolve with nonsurgical treatment.

What Is Involved in a Surgical Trigger Finger Procedure?

Trigger finger may develop as a result of inflammation in the tendon sheath of a finger or thumb. In the event that first-line treatments (resting the affected digit, taking anti-inflammatory medication, wearing a splint and performing stretching exercises) fail to provide relief, surgery may be the next recommended step in a patient’s treatment plan.

There is one main type of trigger finger release surgery:

  • Open surgery – To perform open surgery for trigger finger, an orthopedic surgeon creates a small incision in the palm, providing access to the affected tendon. The risk of complications is very low with this method, giving it preference in some cases.

The purpose of this procedure is to create more room for movement of the constricted flexor tendon in the affected digit, thus allowing the patient to bend and use the digit freely and without pain. The procedure has a relatively short recovery time (typically between 3-6 months) and has been shown to be safe and effective.

Get World-Class Orthopedic Care Locally in Reading, PA

Wondering if you may be a good candidate for trigger finger release surgery? Dr. Stephen Soffer is here to help you explore your options and find the best treatment to get you back to normal, painless hand and finger movement. 

Along with a list of other achievements and high-level training experiences, Dr. Soffer completed a sports medicine fellowship with renowned sports medicine surgeon Dr. James Andrews. In addition to prestigious, skilled treatment, he prides himself on offering compassionate and individualized care. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our Wyomissing, PA office at 610-375-4949.

Carpal Tunnel and Arthritis: What’s the Difference?

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Like carpal tunnel, arthritis can affect both the hands and the wrists. In some cases, arthritis may even contribute to the development of carpal tunnel. Still, the two conditions are distinct – but because their symptoms commonly overlap, patients often wonder how to tell which one they are experiencing. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between carpal tunnel and arthritis.

Carpal Tunnel and Arthritis: What’s the Difference?

Carpal tunnel is a syndrome that originates from repetitive movement or inflammation of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space, a passageway connecting the hand and wrist. Arthritis, on the other hand, is a condition that develops in one or more joints due to wear and tear, inflammation, repetitive movement and/or joint damage. Depending on the specific type of arthritis an individual has, their symptoms may vary.

To determine whether discomfort in your wrist/hand region is coming from carpal tunnel or arthritis, consider:

  • Where are your symptoms concentrated? Carpal tunnel symptoms are typically most prominent in the thumb, forefinger and middle finger, although they may extend to the entire hand/wrist and up the arm to the shoulder and neck. Arthritis typically affects the finger joints and the base of the thumb. 
  • Do you experience numbness and tingling in your thumb/fingers? This is a textbook sign of carpal tunnel. Wrist arthritis is more commonly associated with tenderness, swelling and stiffness, while both conditions can cause weakness in the affected wrist(s).
  • When is your discomfort the worst? Carpal tunnel symptoms typically worsen with activities like writing or typing, as well as in the morning/at night. Arthritis is marked by joint pain with movement and stiffness upon waking up.

As mentioned above, wrist arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome can have similarities and may even occur simultaneously, so it can be tricky to pinpoint which condition is causing your symptoms. If you are bothered by ongoing discomfort and reduced function in your wrists or other joints, an experienced orthopedic physician can perform an examination to differentiate between carpal tunnel and arthritis, allowing them to recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. 

Visit Dr. Soffer for Cutting-Edge Orthopedic Care in Reading, PA

Whether you are suffering from carpal tunnel, arthritis or another orthopedic condition, you can count on Dr. Stephen Soffer for compassionate and highly skilled care. Having completed high-level training including a sports medicine fellowship with world-famous orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer is equipped to diagnose and treat the full range of orthopedic issues and injuries. 

Specializing in both nonoperative and operative therapies, he individualizes treatment to each particular patient and their unique lifestyle and situation. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our office at 610-375-4949.

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